Danzig Nyttafjell is the son of the barbarian Petrus Nyttafjell, and the bard Elyssila Nijhoeven. When Elyssila was 1 month pregnant (and unaware), Petrus left suddenly in the night to face Edifon, a fight which he ultimately lost.

Six months later, there was an attack on the Academy of Magic, during which Edifon shot Elyssila through the torso with her own crossbow, mortally wounding her, and wounding Danzig in utero. As she lay there dying, she went into premature labor, and Danzig was born a whole two months early. Knowing the boy would not live without proper aid, Abermose brought the baby to a laboratory chamber within the Academy, where the boy was artificially gestated in a tank to an age of about two years in an extended magical ritual. Unfortunately, Danzig was also born a tiefling, due to his mother's dormant fiendish blood. This manifests as a rather unpleasant garlic smell, and unpleasant odors tend to linger on him. In addition, animals tend to shy away from Danzig, especially horses. However, sugar cubes alleviate his problem with horses.

Danzig trained as a battlemage in the Academy, specializing in Evocation, Abjuration, and Transmutation. As a rule, he detests necromancy and anything connected with it, especially undead. During his time in the Academy, he had the opportunity to teach himself the theory of the Sublime Way, a rather esoteric fighting style. He now practices kata with his sword, hoping to perfect this new martial style.

When Danzig left the Academy, he brought his mother's katana, a jade ring given to him by his uncle, and his spellbooks.

He also was a worshipper of Nodens, in his aspect as Hunter. However, he has lately questioned his devotion to Nodens, as a new deity has entered his worship; Ilmater, the Crying God (and by extension, Torm and Tyr as well). His new adventuring companions, with the exception of the kobold witch doctor Gricker, all happen to be Ilmatians themselves. In fact, it was on order from Abermose that Danzig seek out the paladin Ragnar Turnheaval and take up in Abolin as a field assignment. During this time, Danzig met the love of his life, the young priestess Aneka Pike. Currently they are in an ongoing courtship.
Danzig hopes someday to redeem the fiendish taint in his blood, and indeed, his actions are well on the way to achieving it.

Given time, Danzig hopes to lead his companions back to the Haunted City, and break the temporal curse upon it.
Danzig is gifted with an admittedly laconic wit, and an almost total lack of fear. He has been known to trade verbal barbs as he does battle, which usually ends with his enemy losing their cool. Danzig also is a lover of cigars, and will often light one with a tindertwig when either discussing battle plans, sizing up a potential battleground, or relaxing with a large mug of ale in a tavern or in camp.